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Caregiver in Gilbert AZ: Caregiver Work from Home

How Feasible Is it Really to Work from Home as a Caregiver?

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Working from home may be a solution to your work/life balance problem as a caregiver. But you have to go into it prepared.

 

Carve out Your Own Space

The biggest part of having success while working from home is to have a physical space which you can devote just to yourself and to your work. If this space has a door, that’s even better. You’re going to need an area that you can lay claim to that is just for you to work from when you’re on the clock. Smaller homes can make this difficult, as can larger families. It might be necessary to move some things around to find that one spot just for you.

 

Get Clear on Your Duties

There are plenty of jobs that you can do from home seamlessly. Much of the duties that you perform at a desk job, for instance, can be done remotely via email and telephone. This isn’t true for every job, of course, but your employer may be willing and able to make some adjustments to your duties in order to help you work from home. Get as clear as you possibly can about what your new job duties will require so you can take the next step.

 

You’ll Need a Plan

Working from home requires a plan so that you can meet the needs of every aspect of your life, including as an employee and as a caregiver. Your plan is never going to be perfect and you might find that you have to tweak it in order to get things right. That’s okay. It’s all a part of acclimating to your new reality. Take the time to set up a plan for how you’ll handle interruptions, what hours you’ll be working, and anything else that you can think of that might affect your ability to work.

 

You’ll Also Need Some Extra Help

One of the aspects that you’ll need to plan for is how you’ll handle it when your senior needs help, but you’re busy working. You could just go ahead and remain available to your elderly family member no matter what, but that may not be something that is reasonable. Hiring senior care providers during your working hours ensures that you’re able to work uninterrupted and your aging adult has someone to help her.

Ultimately it’s up to you and your employer as to whether working from home will meet your needs as a caregiver as well as your company’s needs. More and more companies are on board with offering flexible options, so it’s worth exploring whether this might be something that solves issues for you.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering a Caregiver in Gilbert, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Endeavor Home Care today. Call  (480) 535-6800.

Elder Care in Gilbert AZ: Risk for Developing a UTI

Is Your Senior at Increased Risk for Developing a UTI?

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Urinary tract infections are some of the most common infections experienced by people of all ages, but maybe a particular risk for older adults.

As a family caregiver, it is important to identify the particular risk factors that your senior has so you can take steps to reduce these risks and protect your parent from such an infection, and potentially serious consequences that can result.

 

Some of the factors that may increase the risk for your senior to develop a urinary tract infection include:

  • Being a woman
  • Being older, as the risk for suffering a UTI increases with age
  • Diminished mobility such as after experiencing surgery or a procedure that requires extended bed rest
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Use of a catheter
  • Kidney stones
  • Enlargement of the prostate
  • Poor hygiene
  • Dehydration

 

If you are concerned that your aging parent is at increased risk for developing a UTI and want to help them to reduce this risk, starting home care can be a good idea.

A home care provider can be with your parent to help them manage their risk factors effectively and to detect if they may be struggling with a UTI. This can include encouraging them to stay well-hydrated, helping them eat a good diet, and providing support while bathing and managing incontinence. Talk to their doctor about other ways you can help protect your parent from a UTI so you are prepared to take these steps, but also to care for your senior should such an infection arise.

Being a family caregiver for an elderly adult can be one of the most meaningful decisions you ever make in your life. It can also be challenging, and even overwhelming. You may find that your senior’s needs are more extensive than you thought they would be, or that your schedule and personal limitations are more influential than you expected. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to give your parent the care they need, or that they will be without this care. Starting home care for them can be a fantastic way to ensure your senior gets access to the care, support, and assistance they need on a daily basis, while also enabling you to participate in their care as much as you can. This eases your stress and promotes better health and well-being for both of you and your aging parent.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Mesa in-home care or care in the surrounding areas, please contact the caring staff at Endeavor Home Care today. Call  (480) 535-6800.

https://www.cdc.gov/

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

Preparing a Senior to Accept In Home Care

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It is common for an aging adult to no longer be able to live alone in their home without assistance. Most people don’t want to admit their age is affecting them and that they need help. Often they fear losing independence if they acknowledge they need help. Some seniors may fear family members will remove them from their home and move them to an assisted living facility. In reality, in home care is a wonderful solution allowing a senior to maintain independence in their own home but providing the assistance needed to complete daily tasks.

in home care

Highlighting the positive aspects of in-home care will help ease the transition.

If you have a loved one who is showing signs that they can no longer live on their own, make sure you maintain frequent contact. This will allow you to monitor and assess the living situation to verify that you are correct in your evaluation. In addition, consider talking about the living arrangements with other family members to see if everyone has the same point of view. Make sure all family members are on the same page before you broach the subject with your loved one. This way when the elder discusses in home care with any family member the response will be consistent.

It is best to make your case that in home care is needed by providing specific examples. If your loved one is forgetting to take medications or having difficulty preparing meals express your concern for their well-being. Cite ways in which day to day life has become too difficult for the elder and how burdens can be eased with assistance. Highlight the ways in which the in home care will be helpful to your loved one. In addition, emphasize that in home care will provide companionship as well as assistance. For additional information about in home care for your loved one and how to prepare them to accept the assistance they need contact us.

Senior Care in Gilbert, AZ: What is COPD and How Do Seniors Get It?

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, describes a spectrum of irreversible, progressive conditions permanently affecting airflow to the lungs. These conditions include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Patients with chronic bronchitis struggle to bring air into their lungs due to inflamed, swollen airways clogged with excess mucus. Seniors with emphysema have damage to the small air sacs in their lungs, which makes it difficult for them to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Usually the diagnosis of COPD entails some combination of both of these conditions.

Frequently undiagnosed, COPD is one of the top five causes of death in the United States. As many as 12 million people have COPD but do not know it. Symptoms develop slowly and are often missed or discounted. It is not unusual for seniors with COPD to have lost over 50 percent of their lung capacity before their diagnosis, so it is especially important for those working in senior care to become familiar with the symptoms.

One of the earliest signs of COPD is difficulty doing every day activities. Those involved with senior care should monitor seniors for apparent trouble completing the same activities as their peers, unusual fatigue or weight loss. Additional symptoms of COPD include: shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic coughing with mucus and a tight chest. Seniors with advanced COPD may have blue lips and nail beds, morning headaches or cough blood. Side effects of COPD include a higher incidence of heart problems, depression and an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Over 80 percent of those with COPD are smokers or have a history of smoking. COPD strikes women more often than men. Other significant risk factors include: secondhand smoke, dust or chemical exposure and air pollution. Less than 1 percent of patients with COPD got it through the inherited genetic disorder Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

While COPD cannot be cured, it can be managed. Treatment for this disease focuses on avoiding further deterioration of the lungs and reducing symptoms. COPD patients should quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Medication and supplemental oxygen can relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation and easing breathing. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help seniors learn proper breathing techniques and exercises to recondition their lungs and improve lung capacity. Additionally, every senior should get an annual flu shot to help prevent respiratory infection. With proper senior care, COPD does not have to reduce the quality of a senior’s life.

When researching options for senior care agencies in Gilbert, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Gilbert, AZ.

Senior Care in Gilbert, AZ: Get cool when the going gets hot

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Staying hydrated and cool is very important in the heat of the summer.

Redding’s heat can rapidly become dangerous. Scorching temperatures can overwhelm the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. This creates a medical emergency called hyperthermia requiring immediate treatment to avoid disability, or at worst, death.

  • It is important to be aware of the symptoms and know what to do in the event you or others in your company are getting too hot to the point of reaching hyperthermia.
  • Hyperthermia can be classified progressively as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, happens when sweat is prevented from reaching the surface of the skin because of clogs in the sweat ducts. Mild inflammation results.
  • Heat cramps are characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. Major muscle groups are often affected and the condition can be quite painful.

While prickly heat and cramps are less serious forms of hyperthermia, these situations should not go unheeded. Failure to seek a cooler environment and increase hydration will only lead to serious complications

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is revealed by hot, dry skin. Blood vessels dilate in an attempt to cool the skin, giving off the appearance of red, blotchy skin. Lips may become swollen. The skin is dry because the body can no longer sweat effectively. A person who becomes overheated often complains of a headache and nausea. Fainting or dizziness can occur when the person tries to stand up. Although not an easily observed outward sign, a drop in blood pressure also signals that something is wrong.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke also is called sun stroke. It is the most severe form of hyperthermia and requires immediate attention. Body temperature rises to 104 degrees or higher. In addition to the above symptoms of rash, cramping and exhaustion, a person may appear confused, intoxicated or hostile. The skin may feel cold or clammy. Breath and pulse rates quicken in an attempt to increase oxygen intake. The skin may take on a pale or bluish hue. The person may fall unconscious. Death results if medical attention isn’t immediate and effective.

Unfortunately, the elderly are easily susceptible to hyperthermia. Those who are dealing with heart disease, lung disease, a compromised immune system and taking medications for a variety of conditions are more vulnerable to dehydration and sensitive to the burning rays of the sun.

The best way to avoid hyperthermia is to stay hydrated; wear light, loose clothing made with material that breathes; avoid physical exertion during the heat of the day; and try to remain in a cool environment.

If hyperthermia sets in, it is critical to treat it immediately before it becomes life-threatening.

Fortunately, heat rash goes away when the skin cools. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone creams or sprays relieve heat rash discomfort. In the event that clogged sweat ducts become infected, a physician can prescribe an antibiotic treatment to clear the rash.

Heat cramps

Heat cramps can be stopped without seeking medical care. Simply stopping the activity, moving to a cooler place, drinking lots of fluids and gently massaging the affected area should bring relief.

Heat exhaustion doesn’t require a call to 911 if the person can rehydrate in a cooler environment and ceases to display symptoms. Otherwise, the person is on the way to a heat stroke.

Permanent organ damage can result in victims of a heat stroke. Immediately attempt to cool the victim while waiting for emergency medical treatment to arrive. Get the person to shade or inside to air conditioning. Remove clothing and apply tepid water, fanning the skin to promote evaporation. Place ice packs under the armpits in and the groin area. Encourage sipping of water or an electrolyte-enhanced beverage (no caffeine or alcohol.)

Enjoy the summer, seniors, but play it safe!

When researching options for senior care agencies in Gilbert AZ, home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Gilbert AZ.